2009 Worktrip

Worktrips give you the opportunity to help others without any “hidden agenda”. We don’t try to  change or convert people to our way of thinking.

Lakota Reservation
Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation is a Native American non-profit organization based out of the Thunder Valley community on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Their mission is to empower Lakota youth and families to improve the health, culture and environment of their community, through the healing and strengthening of cultural identity.

In the summer of 2006 the Thunder Valley Community had a vision of building a community house on the reservation; a multi-purpose building that would be a living cultural empowerment center and the foundation for their future work. This community house would provide a place for traditional Lakota ceremonies on the weekend, and would be a center for youth to gather on weekdays to learn songs, language and culture.  

One year later, they completed the 1750 square foot Thunder Valley Community House. The project was 100% volunteer-built. But even at 1750 square feet the building does not have enough room. Since they have built the building they have had ceremonies and community gatherings with over 200 people attending. We have the opportunity to help them build an addition to their Community Center.

Thunder Valley is located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in southwestern South Dakota, between Rockyford School and Sharps Corner.

Our 2009 worktrip will take place right after the end of  the Spring semester. We’ll leave on the 16th of May and be back in Boulder on the 23th.

By serving others we deepen our relationships and with our service we’ll empower Lakota youth to engage in social action and instill in them respect for their land, their language and the Lakota way of life.

Most of your individual cost of the worktrip will be covered with your work toward the PRISM Worktrip Fundraising Dinner. For more details on how to participate, email our campus minister, Richard Robledo.

Worktrip Registration

Early registration is recommended. Here are the ways

you can register:

        •   Download a PDF copy of the form by clicking Here 

        •   E-mail your request for a downloadable copy of the

             Registration Form to: Richard.Robledo@colorado.edu

        •   Stop by the Campus Ministry Office at the PRISM

             House and pick up a copy of the Registration Form.